Let's examine some of the many features that makes "Let's Play Bridge" a great software program.

THREE OFFENSIVE BIDDING SYSTEMS TO CHOOSE FROM (including Standard American and Weak 1NT):

  The requirements for the bids for all three systems are documented with hundreds of prompts which are instantly available just by clicking on the bid made: Bidding is made easy. In addition there is always available a SUGGESTED BID  that you have the choice of using.

CHOOSE YOUR  DEFENSIVE BIDDING SYSTEM  (standard and complex responses).

  Complex system uses  Michael's cue bids, unusual no trumps, doubles, preemptive bids, balancing, etc. The requirements for these bids are completely documented with handy prompts which make it easy for any one to learn. The novice should not worry about the bidding; you will learn it as you play and have fun while doing so. You will never be in a quandary about what to bid because you will always know the meaning of your partner's bid and the opponent's bid, and you will always have a suggested bid.

RAPID SWITCH BETWEEN BIDDING SYSTEMS FOR THE SAME HAND.

RAPID PLAY OF CARDS .

INSTANTLY COMPARE YOUR BID AND PLAY WITH THE COMPUTER'S BID AND PLAY FOR THE SAME HANDS including final scores.

PLAY OF THE CARDS: The computer will give you a run for your money when playing cards.

The defense plays cue cards whenever possible. These include positive and negative attitude signals, common sense signals, card count, the play of the queen with queen jack combination, suit preference, etc. The computer always selects with care the first card played in any game as well as watching for card combinations in the same suit. The novice should not worry about these facts because the play of the cards is documented with hundreds of promps. Just click on the card played to find out the reasoning behind the play of the card. In the large majority of cases the computer will play the card you would expect. Where this is not true, the reasons are explained by clicking on the card, and they will quickly become part of your thinking. Note: This friendly computer program is never judgemental and you can bid and play the same hand over and over until you are completely satisfied.

The offense uses hold up plays when playing no trump, uses direct and indirect finesses, and analyses the play of the cards for cross trumping, long suit development, extra winners in the short hand, ruffing winners, etc. It checks whenever possible to see if the dummy should be considered as the long hand. The novice will quickly become familiar with these terms, which are explained in the game, and the ways to develop your hand just by playing the cards and reading the prompts. You will be pleased with how quickly your playing improves.

GAME FOR 1 TO 4 PEOPLE. All positions can be played by humans or by computer. This allows several important features.

A person can choose to play mostly offensive hands or defensie hands.. The other alternative is to have all the cards dealt at random.

The computer plays any position not being played by a human. You can even watch the computer play itself. When there is more than one person playing, you can choose to have the cards shown face down until it your turn to play. Just click on the back of the cards to expose your hand.

When there are two people playing, you can choose to play as partners or as opponents.

Since this is a game that allows more than one human to be playing, it allows telephone play, and the direct connection of two computers by a null modem. In either case, only the appropriate hands are shown face up on the two screens.

EASY AND FUN INTERACTION BETWEEN COMPUTER AND PLAYER

One of the most difficult and frustrating aspects of learning bridge or bidding with a computer is not knowing the bidding system. Let's play bridge has overcome this problem: (1) there are several bidding systems to choose from; (2) a player only has to click on a bid made by the computer to find out the requirements for that bid (partner or opponent); (3) there is always a suggested bid that you may or may not choose to use.

A similar means of interacting with the computer is available for the play of the cards. There are numerous prompts available to explain the reasoning behind the play of the first card in every trick as well as the first two cards played by the defense for the first trick of the game. Just click on the card played for information.

IF YOU CHOOSE YOU CAN MAKE NORTH AND SOUTH USUALLY END UP TAKING THE CONRACT and play mostly offensive type hands.

SWITCHING BETWEEN YOU AND THE COMPUTER. You can play duplicate bridge, rubber bridge, or random games with a computer partner or friend. You can easily and quickly switch between human bid or play and computer bid or play for easy comparison.

CLEAN, UNCLUTTERED SCREEN. EASY TO UNDERSTAND AND USE. This is a very user friendly program with lots of help prompts plainly visible if you need them.

CONNECT TWO COMPUTERS BY PHONE OR WITH NULL MODEM. The connection of two computers with a cable (and null modem) allows two people to play and study bridge with the computer playing two hands. Only the appropriate hands are shown face up. If your friend lives across town or around the world play by phone . You can either play as partners or play against each other by using computer partners or with other humans. Again only the appropriate hands are shown face up.

FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT AND COMPETITIVE SPIRIT, YOU CAN PLAY Duplicate Bridge. When you are the only human player, you will play with a computer partner (for example as a North/South team). First you will bid and play the game, then a North/South computer team will bid and play the same game. The scores are then compared and the results are recorded. As you continue to play you will be able to see that your game is improving. If there is more than one human player you can either play as partners or as opponents. The computer plays an excellent game of duplicate bridge. Don't be surprised if it ties you or beats you. By the way, Let's Play Bridge does not cheat.

YOU CAN SELECT THE TYPE OF HANDS YOU PLAY. You can choose to play slam quality hands, game or better hands, random hands, a specified final contract (for example you may choose those hands which are usually bid to 3NT), a specified bidding sequence, saved games, specified game numbers, and hands you contruct yourself.

ONE OF THE FUN FEATURES is the ability to determine the relative importance of different bidding sequences. The computer counts how many games it screens to find the type of game you want.

THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO tailor this game to fit your needs. Lots of decks, background colors, table tops, etc.

THERE ARE MANY OTHER FEATURES! available. Just click to examine them.

And there is poetry to soothe the soul and intrigue the mind.